Sun City 400 changes announced

55% OF SUN CITY 400 ROUTE HAS BEEN CHANGED

Competitors and spectators are in for a pleasant surprise when the Sun City 400, round four of the Absa Off Road Championship, is run in the Pilanesberg area on July 1 and 2.

Race organisers, Off Road SA, have changed the route significantly to provide competitors with a tougher test and spectators with more opportunities to see the action.

The route for the main event no longer heads down to Tsitsing. Instead competitors will face the challenge of a new 50km section between Maile and Mogwase, which includes five river crossings, two rocky sections and 20km of virgin veld.

"The route was in need of an overhaul," said Off Road SA spokesperson, Adri Roets. The section we removed was no longer suitable due to mining activities and we decided to include the new slower section, which is a fair test for man and machine and far more spectator friendly."

Friday's 45km Prologue route provides five exciting spectating opportunities within a 20km radius while Saturday's main event, which comprises three laps of a 135km course, has eight designated spectator points within a 35km radius of the Sun City Sports and Recreation Club where the designated service points will be located.

"The Sun City 400 promises to be a closely contested event and it would be well worth the while for spectators from dozens of towns in North West Province, Gauteng and Botswana that fall within a 150km radius of Sun City to enjoy an action packed day of racing in pleasant surroundings," said Roets. "Those with large appetites will be well catered for by a number of fast food vendors at the Sun City Sports and Recreation Club."

-msa-